2012 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Where Top RBs After Trent Richardson Will Land

Trent Richardson is the consensus top running back in the 2012 NFL draft class, and he's got a distinct chance to win this year's Heisman Trophy. 

He's a lock to be selected in the first round. 

With teams more reluctant to take backs high in the draft in today's pass-happy NFL, it'll be interesting to see how far some of the nation's premier runners fall and which team's pick them up in the middle rounds of next year's draft. 

Lamar Miller, Miami Hurricanes

Miller is a only a redshirt sophomore, but he possesses the big-play, score-on-any-touch ability that NFL coaches and general managers are looking for in today's running backs.

Despite playing behind a lackluster offensive line, the 5'11'', 212-pound Miller has averaged 5.6 yards per carry with nine touchdowns in 2011.

It is unlikely that he'll be a top 32 selection, but there are plenty of teams that will give him serious consideration in the second round. 

The two teams from Ohio should be the most interested. 

Peyton Hillis' future is unknown in Cleveland, and management should be doing whatever they can to place more talent around Colt McCoy. Miller's ability as a receiver out of the backfield could do that offense wonders, although I think they will ultimately look for a top-notch receiver.

As for the Bengals, we don't know what they'll do with Cedric Benson, a productive player who's contract is up at the end of the year. Maybe they take a flier on Miller in the end of the first round or trade back and get him in the early parts of the second.  

Montee Ball, Wisconsin

Ball has pieced together quite the 2011 season. He has 34 total touchdowns (29 rushing, 5 receiving), and his 1,622 yards on the ground have come at a 6.5 yards per carry clip. 

What's good about Ball is that he's been productive during his entire career in Madison and isn't running out of a spread system. 

He'll be seen as a scat-back at the next level, but at 5'11'', 210, he's certainly not a feather-weight for his position.

A team like the San Diego Chargers, who are desperately missing the explosiveness of Darren Sproles on third down and in the screen game, could be a team that chooses Ball in the second or third round.

An ideal fit.   

Chris Polk, Washington

Chris Polk doesn't receive the notoriety he deserves, mainly because he's in Washington and plays in the same conference as the dynamic LaMichael James.

James is essentially a household name, but Polk is the guy with a brighter NFL future. 

It's hard to be more productive than Polk has been during his time as a Huskie. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons and has increased his touchdown total each year. 

The 5'11'', 225-pound Polk isn't a third-down, situation guy. He's a bruising yet shifty runner, and he can be a feature back at the next level. 

With all the injuries in the backfield, I wouldn't be surprised if the Indianapolis Colts made him their second- or third-round selection. 

If the Browns somehow don't land Richardson in the first round or simply want to address other areas of their team early on, Polk would represent great value for them after the first 32 selections. 

2012 NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck	17. Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Miller
2. St. Louis Rams: Alshon Jeffery	18. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd
3. Carolina Panthers: Matt Kalil	19. Baltimore Ravens: Luke Kuechly
4. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III	20. Cleveland Browns: Nick Toon
5. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin	21. New York Giants: Janoris Jenkins
6. Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne	22. Philadelphia Eagles: Dont'a Hightower
7. Cleveland Browns: Vontaze Burfict	23. Cincinnati Bengals: Chase Minnifield
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Blackmon	24. San Diego Chargers: David DeCastro
9. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Barkley	25. Houston Texans: Jerel Worthy
10. Miami Dolphins: Landry Jones	26. San Francisco 49ers: Devon Still
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Riley Reiff	27. Dallas Cowboys: Stephon Gilmore
12. Denver Broncos: Trent Richardson	28. New England Patriots: Courtney Upshaw
13. Tennessee Titans: Melvin Ingram	29. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn
14. Buffalo Bills: Zach Brown	30. Detroit Lions: Alphonzo Denard
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dre Kirkpatrick	31. New England Patriots: Quinton Coples
16. New York Jets: Alameda Ta'Amu	32. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Jenkins